Provincial Minister for Agriculture, Industry, and Commerce, SM Tanveer, engaged with a delegation from All Pakistan Kisan Ittehad at Agriculture House. The delegation highlighted concerns including the black marketing of fertilizers, seed unavailability, middleman commission, non-payment of labor compensation, and various other issues.
Expressing the pivotal role of the agriculture sector in the national economy, Minister SM Tanveer emphasized that developing agriculture is crucial for steering the country out of its economic challenges. Despite being an agrarian nation, an annual import of five billion dollars worth of edible oil underscores the need to boost oilseed cultivation domestically. Tanveer asserted that the Punjab government has prioritized the agricultural sector, expecting a substantial influx of billions of dollars in upcoming investments.
Focusing on combating issues, Minister Tanveer pledged an intensified crackdown to eliminate fertilizer black marketing and curb canal water theft. The Punjab government has vociferously advocated for a fixed price for cotton purchases before the federal government. Tanveer underscored efforts to enhance wheat production per acre and cultivated area, assuring that farmers will not be compelled to sell their wheat. He advocated for shifting focus from subsidies to increasing production per acre, asserting that farmer prosperity correlates with Pakistan's overall development.
Reiterating the caretaker government's commitment to safeguarding farmers' interests, Tanveer emphasized their protection at all costs. Agriculture Secretary Nadir Chatha detailed strict measures against fertilizer black marketing and the Department of Agriculture's involvement in the Forum for Approval of Housing Societies. Discussions with the federal government are planned to address issues such as tubewell electricity rates.
Chatha highlighted steps to make 'Seed' institutions independent and gather stakeholder suggestions for changing the middleman system. The All Pakistan Kisan Ittehad delegation, including Rana M. Zafar, Zafar Iqbal Lak, Chaudhry Muhammad Yaqub, and Muhammad Azhar, participated in the meeting. Also present were DG Extension, DMD Punjab Seed Corporation, and relevant officers from the Agriculture Department.